"The right decision however for him Louise and his two boys. Great new job."

Former Tory MP Louise Mensch, who was criticised by some for quitting her Corby seat and moving to New York for family reasons last year, wrote: "I do very much look forward to all those critical of mid-term resignations for any cause, even family, being consistent tomorrow."

The South Shields constituency is a safe seat for Labour, but with UKIP riding high in the polls, the anti-Europe party will be looking to sweep up some votes.